The holidays are all about gathering with loved ones, creating memories, and enjoying delicious food. This season, elevate your celebrations with recipes featuring fresh and vibrant organic produce! At Wholesum, we believe in the power of responsibly grown vegetables to bring health and joy to your table. Let these recipes inspire you to create memorable dishes that delight your guests.
1. Cherry Tomato and Ricotta Crostini
Starring: Poppies – Organic cherry tomatoes on the vine
Bright and juicy cherry tomatoes on the vine paired with creamy ricotta create a wonderful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 24 oz Poppies (2 packs) – Wholesum organic cherry tomatoes on the vine
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Fresh ricotta cheese
- French baguette, sliced and toasted
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Toss tomatoes and lightly with olive oil on a sheet pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast tomatoes for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Arrange the toasted baguette slices on a serving platter.
- Layer each slice with ricotta cheese and top with roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Finish with fresh herbs of your choosing and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
2. Roasted Layered Winter Ratatouille
Starring: Tomatoes on the Vine, Yellow Squash, Zucchini, and Eggplant
This side dish is elegant, impressive and full of comforting flavors and bright colors that match the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 6 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 Tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 Onion, diced
- 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 4 tsp granulated sugar
- 5 Tomatoes on the vine, sliced
- 2 yellow squash, sliced
- 2 zucchini, sliced
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- Salt and pepper
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Make sauce by combining oil, garlic and onion in a 12in cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sautee until soft.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes and sugar, as well as 2tsp basil. Simmer for 10 minutes, season with salt and pepper. Set aside half of the sauce and leave remaining sauce in the skillet. Allow skillet to cool down.
- Thinly slice tomatoes, squash, zucchini and eggplant.
- In a separate bowl, make herb seasoning by mixing the remaining olive oil, basil (leave a little bit for garnish at the end), parsley and thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Arrange the sliced vegetables in the cast iron skillet over the sauce, alternating each item to make a spiral from the outer edge towards the middle.
- Spread the herb seasoning over the vegetables along with remainder of the tomato sauce.
- Bake 40 minutes then lower the temperature to 350 degrees F and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh basil on top.
3. Mini Cucumber & Cream Cheese Bites
Starring: Mini Cucumbers
These quick and simple bite-sized snacks are perfect for entertaining or a healthy addition to a festive charcuterie board.
Ingredients:
- 1 French baguette, cut into ½ inch thick circles
- Mini cucumbers, sliced into rounds
- 1 pack – 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 large roasted garlic clove, smashed
- 2 tsp fresh dill
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, black pepper, dill weed and garlic. Adjust to taste.
- Spread a dollop of cream cheese on each crostini.
- Top with cucumber slice and sprinkle with salt along with more dill.
- Arrange on a platter for a fresh and festive snack.
4. Bell Pepper Holiday Stuffing
Starring: Colored Bell Peppers
Use bell peppers as natural, edible bowls for this exquisite dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 colored bell peppers, tops removed and seeds scooped out
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or wild rice
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms and onions
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Fresh parsley, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Mix quinoa or rice with sautéed vegetables, cranberries, and walnuts. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
5. Heirloom Tomato Tart Galette
Starring: Heirloom Tomatoes
This colorful tart is bright, colorful and delicious! The perfect centerpiece for a holiday brunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 refrigerated pie crust sheet
- 3 medium heirloom tomatoes (red, yellow, brown), sliced ½ inch thick
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and roll out the pastry onto a baking sheet.
- Spread basil pesto over the pastry, followed by the ricotta cheese and mozzarella. Leave two inches from the edge of the pasty for folding over later.
- Pat tomato slices dry, then toss in a bowl with 1 teaspoon sugar and drizzle with olive oil, 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper.
- Layer tomato slices on top of the ricotta and mozzarella, spread slices to cover the filling.
- Fold the rim of the dough inward to look like pleats then refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Slice and serve.
These recipes bring a mix of vibrant colors, bold flavors, and healthy ingredients to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or enjoying a cozy evening with friends, these dishes are sure to impress while keeping your holidays Wholesum and delicious.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Wholesum!
